Search Results (125)

Various immunostimulants have been employed to enhance the efficacy of aquaculture. However, the mechanisms by which Eucommia ulmoides extracts affect the pathogen resistance of large yellow croakers remain to be elucidated. In this study, a multi-omics investigation was conducted to investigate the potential for enhancing pathogen resistance and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Eucommia ulmoides extracts on large yellow croaker juveniles. It revealed that the survival rate of the large yellow croaker juveniles was significantly enhanced (approximately doubled) by oral extracts of Eucommia ulmoides in the context of pathogen invasion. Examining the transcriptome of the liver revealed that Eucommia ulmoides extracts have the capacity to activate the class I MHC pathway for antigen processing, including genes for HSP70, HSP90, CALR, TAPBP, MHCI, and TCR. This, in turn, facilitates the phagocytosis of pathogens by the immune system. Furthermore, the alpha-diversity of the large yellow croaker juveniles’ gut microbiota was increased by the Eucommia ulmoides extracts, maintaining the stability of the gut microbiota and reducing the ratio of pathogens (Burkholderia cenocepacia and Streptococcus iniae) following a pathogen challenge. The application of correlation analyses indicated that a reduction in pathogens was closely associated with variations in whole gut microbiota. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pressing global health challenge comprising obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Conventional polypharmacy often presents long-term compliance issues and side effects. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., a traditional medicinal and edible plant rich in iridoids, lignans, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, has emerged as a promising natural intervention. This review aims to systematically summarize the bioavailability and multifaceted pharmacological mechanisms of E. ulmoides and its bioactive components in alleviating MetS. Methods: We comprehensively reviewed the recent in vitro and in vivo literature to map the functional evidence, specific signaling pathways, and gut microbiota–host interactions associated with E. ulmoides extracts and its key phytochemicals (e.g., asperuloside) against various metabolic dysfunctions. Results: Current evidence indicates that E. ulmoides operates through a “multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway” paradigm. For hyperlipidemia and obesity, it activates hepatic lipid metabolism (PPARα/CPT1A, FXR/CYP7A1) and mitigates oxidative stress (Nrf2/ARE). Furthermore, it dose-dependently reshapes the gut microbiota by enriching beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia and increasing butyrate production, exerting profound gut–liver axis regulation. It also ameliorates hypertension by activating the ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-Mas axis, improves insulin resistance via the AMPK/PI3K/Akt cascade, and manages hyperuricemia by modulating XOD and renal transporters. Notably, the low oral bioavailability of its glycosides highlights the crucial role of gut microbial hydrolysis in its efficacy. Conclusions: E. ulmoides holds substantial therapeutic potential as a multi-target natural supplement for MetS. However, future translational applications necessitate large-scale randomized clinical trials, multi-omics studies to further clarify host–microbiome interactions, and the development of standardized formulations to ensure clinical efficacy. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG), a sustainable plant-derived natural polymer, was functionalized via three distinct routes, including vulcanization, epoxidation, and hydroxylation to yield vulcanized (VEUG), epoxidized (EEUG), and hydroxylated EUG (HEUG), respectively. We systematically characterized the effects of modification route and degree on the chemical structure, crystallization behavior, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties of functionalized EUG and further evaluated the high/low-temperature performance, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the corresponding modified asphalt binders (VEMA, EEMA, HEMA) as a function of modifier type and loading. For VEUG, C-S cross-linking networks formed during vulcanization suppress EUG crystallization, enabling a rigid-plastic to elastic transition, while high-temperature cleavage of C-S bonds reduces its initial thermal stability. For EEUG, epoxidation breaks C=C double bonds and introduces epoxy groups to strengthen intermolecular interactions; subsequent ring-opening grafting of hydroxyl groups onto EEUG yields HEUG, which forms additional cross-links via dynamic hydrogen bonds. Increasing modification degree for both EEUG and HEUG reduces their number- and weight-average molecular weights with narrower distribution, diminishes crystallinity, enhances thermal stability and hydrophilicity, and drives a rigid-plastic to elastic transition, characterized by decreased strength (0.65 MPa < σ_HEUG < σ_EEUG < 10.18 MPa) and markedly improved ductility (143.6% < ε_EEUG < 262.0%, 679.9% < ε_HEUG < 1360.3%). In asphalt binders, VEUG’s cross-linked network endows VEMA with refined more abundant bee-like microstructures, drastically boosting high- and low-temperature performance: relative to pristine EUG-modified asphalt (EUGMA), VEMA’s DMT modulus decreases by 94%, and adhesion increases by 87%. EEMA forms covalent bonds with polar asphalt components via epoxy groups, while HEMA constructs a hydrogen-bonded cross-linked network; both effectively inhibit asphaltene aggregation. With increasing modifier loading, EEMA and HEMA exhibit increased modulus, reduced adhesion, and gradually improved high- and low-temperature performance, except for the non-significant high-temperature enhancement of HEMA at higher loadings. Full article

Pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG), one of the major lignans isolated from E. ulmoides Oliver bark, has various pharmacological functions, including antihypertension and prevention of osteoporosis. However, the glycosyltransferase-encoding gene (GT) involved in regulating the glycosylation of pinoresinol to form PDG has not been reported in E. ulmoides. In this study, we screened and cloned the EuGT8 gene from E. ulmoides based on our transcriptome data. The expression pattern of the EuGT8 gene exhibited a strong positive correlation with dynamic changes in the PDG contents in three different organs of E. ulmoides. The expression level of the EuGT8 gene and PDG content were significantly decreased in asODN-EuGT8-treated shoot tips in comparison with the control group. Prokaryotic expression of the EuGT8 gene revealed that the purified EuGT8 protein could catalyze the conversion of pinoresinol into PDG. In addition, we performed transcriptional and metabolomic analyses to compare the differences between transgenic Arabidopsis and WT plants. A total of 1799 DEGs and 294 DEMs were identified in transgenic and WT plants. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and starch/sucrose metabolism pathways. The DEMs were mainly enriched in ABC transporters, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, biosynthesis of amino acids, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Correlation analysis between DEGs and DEMs identified a total of 231 DEGs associated with 38 DEMs, which were mainly distributed in multiple metabolic pathways. This finding provides both theoretical insights and genetic resources for breeding high-PDG E. ulmoides varieties, facilitating marker-assisted selection (MAS) and promoting sustainable E. ulmoides production in Guizhou. Full article

Chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides leaves is a promising natural antioxidant for food applications, yet its extraction and purification require optimization to improve yield and purity. This study employed ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction on fresh leaves, evaluating the effects of ethanol concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, and temperature on CGA yield. Optimal extraction parameters were determined using response surface methodology. Purification with NKA-II macroporous resin increased CGA purity to 82.72%. SEM analysis revealed wrinkled and porous surface structures, while FTIR confirmed the presence of characteristic hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups. Under optimized conditions (70% ethanol, solid-to-liquid ratio 1:20 g/mL, 58 °C, 61 min), the extraction yield reached 6.96%. In vitro assays demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 96.01% for DPPH, 89.69% for hydroxyl, and 99.82% for ABTS radicals at 5 mg/mL. These findings provide an efficient method for obtaining chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides leaves and support its potential as a functional food ingredient. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (E. ulmoides), an endemic tree species in China, holds significant value in traditional Chinese medicine industry and health food. The plant is rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including lignans, iridoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, E. ulmoides gum, amino acids, and minerals. These components contribute to a range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, and bone-protective effects, which support its long-standing traditional use and emerging clinical and adjunctive applications. While current research has predominantly focused on the bark and leaves, other parts, such as flowers, seeds, stems and roots, remain underexplored despite their substantial potential for medicinal and edible applications. Based on the recent literature, this paper systematically summarized the chemical composition, health benefits, and comprehensive utilization of different parts of E. ulmoides (bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds), aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for the high-value utilization of the entire plant resources of E. ulmoides. As a health-promoting plant resource, E. ulmoides has extensive development potential in applications such as health foods, natural medicines, and agricultural inputs. Future research should prioritize elucidating the synergistic mechanisms among different active compounds, advancing technologies for multi-part utilization, and establishing standardized quality evaluation systems to facilitate broader applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and related interdisciplinary fields. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides, a tree species native to China, holds considerable medicinal, ecological, and industrial importance. However, the absence of an efficient and stable genetic transformation system poses significant challenges to gene function studies and molecular breeding in E. ulmoides. Protoplasts, which lack cell walls, serve as effective receptors for transient transformation and are thus ideal for genetic engineering research. In this study, the optimal conditions for callus induction were identified, and formation of the embryogenic callus was confirmed by histological analysis. Furthermore, we developed an efficient protoplast isolation and PEG-mediated transient transformation system using suitable embryogenic callus as the starting material. Our findings revealed that the optimal medium for inducing embryogenic callus was B5 + 1.5 mg/L 6-BA + 0.5 mg/L NAA + 30 g/L sucrose + 7 g/L agar (pH = 5.8). In this medium, the induction rate of callus achieved 97.50%, and the rate of embryogenic callus formation was 86.30%. For protoplast isolation, the best conditions involved enzymatic digestion with 1.5% cellulase R-10 and 1.0% macerozyme R-10 at an osmotic pressure of 0.6 M for 4 h, resulting in 1.82 × 10⁶ protoplasts/g FW with 91.13% viability. The highest transfection efficiency (53.23%) was attained when protoplasts were cultured with 10 µg of plasmid and 40% PEG4000 for 20 min. This study successfully established a stable and efficient system for protoplast isolation and transient transformation in E. ulmoides, offering technical support for exploring somatic hybridisation and transient gene expression in this species. Full article

Nutrition during late pregnancy plays a critical role in fetal development. This study was conducted to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of protocatechuic acid (PCA) and PCA-rich Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (EU) on reproductive performance using late-pregnancy sows as a model. A total of 30 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; average parity: 3–4) with similar body condition (assessed as a score of 4 on a 5-point scale) were randomly assigned to three treatments (n = 10 per group) from day 80 of gestation until farrowing and fed either a basal diet, a basal diet supplemented with 200 g/t of PCA, or 1000 g/t of EU. Results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with PCA and EU, which delivered a negligible amount of PCA but contained other bioactive phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acid, significantly increased litter weight at birth and the number of healthy piglets (p < 0.05), along with elevated levels of colostral immunoglobulins and reduced serum interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PCA supplementation was associated with a decrease in fasting glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05), accompanied by an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.05). Analysis of gut microbial composition revealed that both PCA and EU reduced the relative abundance of Paraprevotella (p < 0.05), while PCA increased the abundance of the dgA11_gut_group (p < 0.05), and EU enriched Caldicoprobacter (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that PCA- and EU-modulated genera, such as Lysinibacillus, were positively associated with colostrum lactose and colostrum fat but negatively correlated with the number of somatic cells, colostrum protein, degreased dry matter, total solids, and urea nitrogen (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PCA and EU differentially enhanced reproductive performance and colostrum immunoglobulins, at least partially, through the modulation of inflammation and glucose metabolism-related gut microbiota in late-pregnancy sows. Full article

As an active ingredient in Eucommia leaf, aucubin (AU) is natural and safe, and studies have shown that aucubin (AU) demonstrates great potential in its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-osteoporotic properties. However, AU has been less studied in colitis. In this experiment, we used DSS-induced mice to establish a colitis model to investigate the ability of AU to alleviate colitis. The results show that, in animal experiments, AU increased body weight, reduced disease activity index (DAI) scores and organ indices, restored colon morphology, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT) levels in mouse serum and colon. It also reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decreased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, MyD88, and NF-κB, and increased the relative mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier-related genes OCLN, CLDN1, CLDN2, ZO-2, and MUC1. AU also upregulated the abundance of bacterial groups such as Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobiota, and downregulated the abundance of bacterial groups such as Proteobacteria and Deferribacterota, thereby regulating the intestinal microbiota. In cell experiments, AU increased the relative mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier-related genes MUC2, ZO-1, OCLN, and CLDN1, reduced the relative expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α, and increased the relative expression level of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Additionally, AU significantly reduced the relative expression levels of IL-1β, IL-1R, MyD88, TAK1, IKKα, and RelA. This study provides a theoretical and technical basis for the large-scale preparation of aucubin and the alleviation of inflammatory bowel disease. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides), a traditional medicinal plant, has been widely used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on dental tissue regeneration remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the odontogenic potential of E. ulmoides extract in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and antioxidant activity was evaluated via the DPPH radical scavenging method. Odontoblast differentiation was examined using Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis of key differentiation markers, including dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Our results demonstrated that E. ulmoides extract enhanced mineralization and upregulated both gene and protein expression of odontoblast differentiation markers in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, signaling pathway analysis revealed that E. ulmoides extract activated the SMAD pathway while downregulating ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation during odontogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that E. ulmoides extract promotes odontoblast differentiation in hDPSCs and may serve as a promising natural agent for dental tissue regeneration. These findings further underscore its potential clinical relevance as a therapeutic candidate to enhance dental tissue repair and regeneration. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a group of global diseases, are characterized by high morbidity and mortality, imposing a significant burden on clinical practice. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural compound composed of caffeic acid and quinic acid, is widely found in and extracted from plants such as Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle), Eucommia ulmoides (hardy rubber tree), tea leaves, and coffee beans. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed towards the pharmacological mechanisms of CGA in the treatment of CVDs. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the preparation, metabolic pathways, pharmacological effects, and safety profile of CGA. Furthermore, it systematically analyzes the biological effects and molecular targets of CGA in the cardiovascular therapy and highlights strategies to enhance its bioavailability. These insights aim to provide a scientific basis for future basic research and clinical applications. Full article

To investigate how sweating–drying processing affects the components, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective mechanisms of Eucommia ulmoides (EUB) against acute liver injury (ALI), this study constructed a “processing–active components–ALI targets” network. Eight processed EUB samples were analyzed using HPLC fingerprinting, multi-assay antioxidant tests (DPPH/ABTS·+/pyrogallol), network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Sweating–drying significantly altered EUB’s chemical profile, with HPLC fingerprint similarities ranging from 0.715 to 1.000, the lowest being for FG4 (40 °C dried after sweating) and FD (freeze-dried after sweating). Key components (chlorogenic acid (CA), pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG), aucubin (AU), geniposidic acid (GPA)) varied: XS (sun-dried) had the highest CA/PDG, while FG4 showed increased AU/GPA. FY (shade-dried after sweating) exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging (DPPH/ABTS·+/pyrogallol IC₅₀ = 0.828, 0.134, 14.200 mg/mL), which correlated with CA/PDG/liriodendrin (PD) synergy. Network pharmacology identified 205 EUB-ALI intersection targets (core: TNF, PTGS2, GAPDH) and the AGE-RAGE pathway; molecular docking confirmed strong CA/PDG binding to GAPDH/PTGS2. This study clarifies how processing regulates EUB’s components and their links to antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, providing scientific support for EUB’s clinical application against ALI. Full article

Chlorogenic acid (CGA)-rich extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (CAE) are known for their gut health and antioxidant benefits in livestock. This study examines the effects of CAE supplementation during the peri-implantation period on sow reproductive performance and the gut microbiota. Sixty Dongliao black sows were randomized to receive either no supplementation (control) or CAE at 600 or 2000 mg/kg daily from gestation day −5 through day 15. High-dose CAE intake significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in sow serum but decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) also increase significantly. These changes correlate with improved reproductive performance, including a larger litter size, higher numbers of live-born piglets, a greater individual birth weight of live-born piglets, a higher total litter birth weight of live-born piglets, and a lower mortality rate. 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal microbiota revealed that CAE markedly altered microbial diversity and composition, reducing the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria but increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, supplementation with CAE during the peri-implantation phase can reduce oxidative stress, alter the gut microbiota composition, and improve sow reproductive performance, thus potentially increasing breeding farm profitability. Full article

Food allergy represents a prevalent immunological disorder, with current clinical management primarily emphasizing allergen avoidance and emergency pharmacological intervention. Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides, the principal bioactive constituents of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Eucommia ulmoides, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, their specific effects on food allergies remain inadequately characterized. A total of thirty-six female BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12 per group): the control group (CON group, receiving saline treatment), the allergic model group (OVA group, subjected to ovalbumin sensitization), and the intervention group (OVA+PS group, undergoing OVA sensitization followed by Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides administration via gavage). The anti-allergic efficacy of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides was comprehensively evaluated through clinical allergy symptom scoring, histological and pathological tissue analysis, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) for the assessment of key gene expression, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The findings indicated the following: (1) The allergy scores in the OVA+PS group were significantly lower than those in the OVA group (p < 0.01). Following OVA stimulation, the rectal temperature of mice in the OVA group decreased sharply, whereas the temperature decline in the OVA+PS group was more gradual compared to the model group. (2) The liver, kidney, spleen, and intestinal tissues of mice in the OVA+PS group exhibited normal morphology, consistent with the CON group, which suggests that Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides effectively mitigates the local inflammatory response induced by food allergy. (3) The expression of NICD in the spleen of mice in the OVA+PS group was significantly higher than in the OVA group (p < 0.05), while the expression of the Hes1 gene was significantly elevated in the OVA group compared to both the CON and OVA+PS groups (p < 0.05). In the OVA group, the expression level of Gata-3 was significantly elevated compared to both the CON group and the OVA+PS group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the expression of STAT5 in the OVA group was markedly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). (4) Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides were found to modulate the intestinal microbiota composition in allergic mice, notably increasing the expression abundance of Enterobacter, Oscillibacter, and Butyricicoccus, while decreasing the expression abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Turicibacter. (5) There was a correlation between alterations in the intestinal microbiota of mice and the expression of key genes. Specifically, the relative abundance of Blautia was negatively correlated with the expression of NICD and Gata-3 genes (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group was negatively correlated with the expression of the Hes1 gene (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides demonstrate potential in alleviating allergic symptoms, providing a scientific foundation for the development of novel natural anti-allergic functional foods. Full article

In this study, an orthogonal array design was employed to optimize total flavonoid extraction conditions. The results showed that the optimal conditions were an ethanol concentration of 70%, an ultrasonic power of 250 W, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:30 g/mL, and an ultrasonic time of 25 min. Under these optimal extraction conditions, the total flavonoid yield was 169.3 mg/g plant material. The purification effects of LX-38, LX-60, LS-46, LS-306, XDA-8, AB-8, and D101 macroporous resins on the total flavonoids of Eucommia ulmoides leaves were also investigated. The parameters of the process using XDA-8 macroporous resin for the purification of the crude extract of total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides leaves were investigated. The adsorption conditions of the XDA-8 resin consisted of an initial sample concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, a sample pH value of 5.0, an adsorption flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, and a temperature of 25 °C. The desorption conditions of the XDA-8 resin consisted of 60% ethanol used as a desorption solution and a 2.0 mL/min desorption flow rate of the eluent. The total flavonoids from the Eucommia ulmoides leaves were purified under these conditions, and, afterward, the flavonoid content was 51.5%. The main components of the purified flavonoids from the Eucommia ulmoides leaves were isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and they included chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercetin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-rhamnoside, hyperoside, and quercetin. The antioxidant activities were measured, and those of the purified total flavonoids from the Eucommia ulmoides leaves were higher than those of dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and lower than those of ascorbic acid (Vc). Additionally, the purified total flavonoids from the Eucommia ulmoides leaves exhibited significant antioxidant activities. Full article